Build Central Texas (BCT) Program
CapMetro's commitment to reinvesting in the communities that invest in transit.
CapMetro is the regional public transportation provider for Austin and Central Texas. Since 1985, we've been committed to connecting residents, commuters and visitors with reliable, convenient transit options that support their daily lives. Whether it's getting to work, school, restaurants, shopping or community events, we’re always on the move making essential trips easier and more accessible.
Created in accordance with Chapter 451 of the Texas Transportation Code, CapMetro was established by a voter referendum on Jan. 19, 1985. The agency is funded in part by a 1% sales tax levied by members of its service area which includes the cities of Austin, Jonestown, Lago Vista, Leander, Manor, Point Venture and San Leanna.
But CapMetro does more than provide transit, we also actively reinvest in the communities we serve. Through our Build Central Texas Program and Transit-Supportive Infrastructure funds, we channel resources back into our member cities in the form of direct transit service, transit capital investments, street resurfacing and other mobility improvements. To date, CapMetro has reinvested tens of millions of dollars into these communities, helping to support major economic development opportunities, including attracting big-box retailers to the region. We’re proud of the strong partnerships we’ve built with our member cities and remain committed to transparency by routinely reporting collected sales tax, cost of service and total reinvestment by jurisdiction.
How Build Central Texas Works
The BCT Program is the voluntary mechanism through which CapMetro administers this 100% sales tax reinvestment, working with its member cities to proactively identify and fund local priority projects that are essential to their unique mobility needs.
1. Communities Invest in Transit
CapMetro member cities contribute a voter-approved 1% local sales tax that supports regional public transportation.
2. CapMetro Delivers Transit Service
CapMetro provides transit service based on each community's mobility needs while connecting residents to jobs, schools, healthcare and destinations throughout Central Texas.
3. Remaining Funds Stay Local
If a member city's annual sales tax contribution exceeds the annual cost of transit service, those remaining dollars are eligible to fund local infrastructure projects and improvements through the Build Central Texas Program.
A Commitment to Our Member Cities
CapMetro is committed to ensuring that 100% of each member city's local transit sales tax is reinvested back into that community—either through transit service, Build Central Texas infrastructure investments or a combination of both.
This approach helps ensure communities receive the full value of their investment while supporting a stronger regional transportation system.
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What Can Build Central Texas Fund?
The BCT Program supports projects that improve access to transit and make it easier and safer for people to get where they need to go.
Eligible projects may include:
- Sidewalks and pedestrian connections
- Bus stop shelters and benches
- Accessible transit facilities
- Bus pads and boarding areas
- Bicycle infrastructure
- Lighting and safety improvements
- Street improvements that enhance transit access
- Other transit-supportive capital improvements approved by CapMetro
Why it Matters
Strengthening Communities
Local infrastructure investments improve safety, accessibility and quality of life while supporting future growth.
Supporting Economic Development
Build Central Texas investments have helped communities leverage additional infrastructure improvements and attract new private investment, for example attracting a big box retailer to help expand the sales tax base of a CapMetro member city community.
Improving Mobility
Projects help residents more easily connect to transit, jobs, education, healthcare and regional destinations.
Building a Stronger Region
Investments made in CapMetro’s member city communities strengthen the regional transportation network that benefits everyone in the Central Texas region.